Spain is surrounded on three sides by water – the Atlantic Ocean, the Cantabrian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It was conquered by the Moors who have left Spain with a fine Moorish architectural legacy. Enviably there are more beautiful cities in Spain than any other country. Spain holds a special corner in my heart so I’ve put together a list of the ten most beautiful cities of Spain (in no particular order)

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain, Spain is Barcelona! It’s one of the liveliest cities in Spain, with a unique character as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. Barcelona is famous for its Modernist architecture, especially the stunning buildings of Gaudi. Spend an evening at the Las Ramblas and soak up the beauty around Placa Reial. Visit to Barcelona is a complete vacation in itself.

Madrid

Often this capital city gets overlooked in favor of Barcelona but this is a gem of its own kind. Some find the pace of life, size and diversity of the Spanish capital daunting but take time to discover the true elements of Madrid and you shall be rewarded. It is an enchanting city of Spain where you can relish the beautiful architecture, shop from the exquisite boutiques and savour the gourmet food, especially the local tapas.

Seville

This birthplace of signature flamenco is unlikely to be anything less than romantic and charming. The city is home to the famous Spanish architectures like Gothic cathedral and tower – La Giralda, the Plaza de España and other finest of the Moorish architectures. The city has a bohemian look and feel which is adored by its visitors. Don’t forget to relish the tastes of the finest Spanish cuisine.

Granada

It is amazing how many cool things you can do in such a small city. Granada is most famous for its magnificent Moorish Alhambra Palace and beautiful Renaissance architecture. Enjoy free tapas to go with your beer and spend some time at the Moroccan tea houses. Take in all of the city’s beauty and still you won’t wish to leave.

Bilbao

Housing the famous Guggenheim museum and the gothic St James’ Cathedral, Bilbao is a northern city with rich heritage dating back to 1300s. By night, Bilbao lights up enchantingly and stirs into life making itself perfect for romantic couples and fun-loving tourists alike. Yet your visit is not complete without sampling pintxos, the Basque country’s famous version of traditional tapas.

Cuenca

This is a striking fortified town built on a mountain which gives more cultural offerings than you can imagine with its small size. The Las Casas Colgadas (Overhanging houses) are built on the cliff’s edge which provides a very impressive, eye-catching effect. This town is beautifully preserved so much so that it is given a world heritage status. I guarantee you a memorable experience.

Santiago de Compostela

This southern town has a distinctly different look and feel to its architecture. The cathedral is Europe’s most significant religious landmark and the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. Hike and explore the lush green countryside for another enriching experience. If you are looking for a taste of the old Spain, wine and dine at the Parador National Hotel.

Valencia

Dating back to around 150BC, this is one of the oldest existing settlements. Valencia though small in size has enough appeal to keep you engaged for a couple of days. Valencia houses a mix of both modern and ancient Spanish architecture, from which The City of Arts and Sciences remains a very popular attraction. The old city has a multitude of tiny cafes and bars which are best for people watching as the sun goes down.

Salamanca

This ancient town is mostly famous for housing the oldest university of Spain. The shades of golden in every building make it a very fascinating sight. Make room in your itinerary for a stroll over the Roman Bridge which crosses the Tormes River. For some offbeat romantic experience visit the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea. This is Spain’s answer to Romeo and Juliet!

San Sebastian

Last but not the least San Sebastian is another great place to visit in Spain for its miles of coastline. The outstanding beaches are the finest in Spain. Soak up the sun at the Concha which is great for sunbathing, whereas the Zurriola is perfect for surfing. Visit the old town area for gulping down a few beers with the locals along with the pintxos.

***********************************About The Author: Sophie Wilson has been working in the Travel & Tourism Industry for 5 years and so is lucky enough to get to travel a lot. She writes about every one of those weird, unusual and beautiful experiences. You can visit her affiliated website for cheap car rentals in over 1000 locations worldwide. Just follow the link. “Thank you for reading my article. Add your opinions in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you.”***********************************Photos: Wikimedia cc